Jun 23, 2010

The World of Anger

BY Geoff RodheSacramento Region Men's Leader

“Don’t get mad—get even!” This might be typical advice from
dysfunctional soapopera characters, but it’s not Buddhism. Lose the
“get even,” and you are making someprogress. Lose the anger, and you
are really getting it!

Anger is one of the three poisons, so we try to minimize, not feed it!
Consider, forinstance, Nichiren Daishonin’s advice to Shijo Kingo,
one of his most dedicated (andsometimes angriest) disciples: The
Daishonin tells him that the gods will not protect ashort-tempered
person, that it is vital to master his emotions, that he should be
considerate of those who believe in the Lotus Sutra, no matter what they
may have done in the past.

As we practice this Buddhism and try to better our organization, we
have to rememberto model the behavior we wish to see from others.
Getting mad at leaders, fellow members or the SGI itself is
counterproductive.

How best to avoid this trap? We can try practicing as the Daishonin
did—that is, not

getting mad even at the fools and bozos who seem to
want to mess up our lives. We can

try also to cultivate the habit of
forbearance. The “Record of the Orally Transmitted

Teachings” says:
“Forbearance means the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light. This mind of

forbearance
is called Shakyamuni Buddha” (Gosho Zenshu, p. 771).

Lastly, before we proceed to blast someone for errors real or
imagined, we can reflecton these quotes: “If anyone sees a person
who accepts and upholds this sutra and tries toexpose the faults or
evils of that person, whether what he speaks is true or not, he will inhis
present existence be afflicted with…severe and malignant illnesses”
(The Lotus Sutra,p. 324). “Believers in the Lotus Sutra should
absolutely be the last to abuse one another.All those who keep faith
in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one whoslanders a
Buddha commits a grave offense” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p.
756).

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My SGI Lotus Flower Blog: Spreading the wonders and joy of Nichiren Buddhism through articles, experiences, art, music, film, comedy and pop culture. For beginners to long time members, I hope this blog serves you well. Like the Lotus Flower we can bloom right where we are.

My Art By Seleus Blog: I've been drawing since I was 5. I've done live nude drawings, oil paintings, sketching, digital art and graphic design. I love to mainly draw female portraits. I love caricature, illustration, pop art, pin-ups and vector art. I attended the School of Visual Arts for awhile and my favorite Artist is Al Hirshfeld. A diehard Hitchcock, Wonder Woman, Classic Film fan.

"Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law? Strengthen your power of faith more than ever."

True happiness means forging a strong spirit that is undefeated, no matter how trying our circumstances.

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The opinions, thoughts and artwork expressed here are solely my own (unless otherwise noted).The photos on this site explain my feelings about the practice in a visual way. The inner artist in me thought that by merging beautiful guidance with art, music, film, humor and pop culture- I can move and tap into another part of ourselves. How can I convey these pearls of wisdom in a way that I can understand more. The graphics are for also for entertainment purposes to invoke laughter and smiles to our hearts. They are not to be taken seriously. But my practice I take seriously. Its not my intention to offend anyone. I claim no ownership or copyright of any of the images posted except those taken and created by me. If you are the owner of a specific image & would like it removed, please email & I will do so promptly. This is a non-official SGI site and I will try my best to provide the sources.

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